New research from national charity Good360 Australia reveals that 69% of charities cannot keep up with community demand for essential goods, up from 65% last year.
The research also shows that community demand for donated essential items remains at record-highs, with 82% of charities saying demand has never been higher and 83% expecting the year ahead to be even tougher.
The 2025 Good360 Communities in Need Report, based on a survey of over 400 charities and disadvantaged schools nationwide, highlights the growing and structural challenge of non-food aid in Australia. It shows the essentials in greatest demand by charities across Australia are:
- Personal hygiene and cleaning products (78%) – up 2 percentage points on last year, and once again the most in-demand category of non-food aid
- Clothing (69%) and education items such as stationery, books and backpacks (68%)
- Digital devices (48%) – with demand rising 6 percentage points from last year, reflecting the increasing need for connectivity in education, work and daily life
The report also reveals a 15% increase in charities and schools seeking support compared to last year. Meanwhile, Good360 data shows $60.5 million worth of donated new items were delivered to people in need in FY25, on par with 2024, highlighting that donations are not keeping pace with rising community demand.
Alison Covington AM, Good360 Australia’s Founder and Managing Director, said the findings reinforce that the challenge of reducing need and waste is deepening and must not be treated as temporary.
“While some indicators might suggest the cost-of-living crisis may be easing, charities paint a very different picture. The reality is that demand for charities is rising. Australia’s cost-of-living crisis is becoming a permanent, structural challenge that requires smart and sustainable long-term solutions,” Covington said. “More charities than ever are telling us they cannot meet the need in their communities. Behind these numbers are families going without basic hygiene products, children without essential school supplies and elderly Australians facing hardship for the first time. This is not the Australia we should accept in 2025.”
Recent research shows the value of unsold retail goods wasted in Australia has risen sharply over the past few years. It is estimated that $4.5 billion worth of unsold household goods are wasted each year, with the rise of online shopping returns adding to the challenge.
“We have rising community need on one side and rising waste on the other. We cannot allow billions of dollars of unsold items to be wasted; these are perfectly useable goods that can be connected to people who need them most,” Covington noted.
To help address this growing challenge, Good360 Australia is launching its first Good360 Community Hub – a flagship space and community store where people in need, accompanied by a charity community worker, can access free essential goods in a dignified, retail-like environment.
“The Good360 Community Hub is more than a new space; it marks a new way of reaching and supporting Australians in need, transforming how the essential items people need to thrive are delivered. It is a place where people doing it tough, supported by a charity worker, can choose what they need in a setting that provides dignity, comfort and a sense of belonging,” Covington explained.
According to Covington, it’s a milestone for Good360 Australia to create spaces where charities, donors and communities can come together to reduce need and waste. With the generous support of IKEA and their partners, they plan to expand this model nationwide, with at least one community hub established in every state and territory.
“At IKEA Australia, we believe everyone deserves a safe and welcoming home. Partnering with Good360 Australia on this community hub has helped us bring that belief to life, creating a space that supports communities with dignity, care and functionality,” said Renea Robson, IKEA Australia’s Country Sustainability Manager. “We’re proud to contribute to a project that reflects our values of equality, sustainability and togetherness through thoughtful design, our products and the passion of our co-workers.”
Charities’ top concern for the year ahead remains deteriorating economic conditions and cost of living (83%), but concern over a lack of donated items has increased since this time last year (66%, up from 62%). Following a wild winter across much of the country, there is also rising concern about the potential impact of natural disasters on communities (27%, up from 24% last year).
In addition, 84% of surveyed charities believe governments could be doing more to improve access to non-food aid, while 83% say retailers and businesses could do more by donating excess or unsold goods.
“Meeting this challenge takes more than goodwill; it requires smart solutions and collective action from government, business and community. Together, we can make sure no Australian goes without life’s essentials and that perfectly good products are never wasted,” Covington added.
Read also: Aussies face bare pantries as the cost of living bites
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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